Quebecor has 'all the tools' to buy an NHL team

Quebecor president and CEO Pierre-Karl Peladeau (right) along with Quebec City mayor Regis Labeaume during a press conference announcing details on the construction of an NHL-calibre arena in Quebec City, Que., March 1, 2011. (STEVENS LEBLANC/QMI Agency)

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QMI Agency

MONTREAL - Media giant Quebecor Inc. has "all the tools" to buy an NHL team and manage its new arena in Quebec City, the company said Thursday.

Quebecor, owner of Sun Media, made the statement as it reported a surge in income and profits for 2011.

"Quebecor Media now has all the tools it needs to pursue its goals, which are to manage a world-class multipurpose centre and to bring a National Hockey League team to Quebec City," the company said in a statement.

Quebecor closed a 25-year, $33 million naming-rights and management deal for a state-of-the art arena that's scheduled for completion in 2015. The value of the agreement rises to $63.5 million if Quebec City lands an NHL franchise.

Construction of the publicly financed arena would be the first step towards the return of NHL hockey to the provincial capital. The Quebec Nordiques left for Denver to become the Colorado Avalanche in 1995.

Quebecor president and CEO Pierre Karl Peladeau has made it clear he would be interested in buying a team.

The company undertook a major expansion of its sports holdings in 2011. Quebecor launched TVA Sports, a French-language specialty channel that would be the lead broadcaster for a future NHL property.

Quebecor also bought an interest in a Quebec Major Junior Hockey League team near Montreal.